The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Mariano Grossi has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of Iran’s nuclear program. Speaking before the agency’s Board of Governors, Grossi noted the alarming increase in Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, particularly as it has been three years since the IAEA last had access to conduct verification activities in Iran (IAEA statement).
Grossi emphasized the agency’s challenges in maintaining oversight and gathering credible information on the status of Iran’s nuclear activities. He pointed out the loss of “continuity of knowledge” regarding Iran’s nuclear facilities. Furthermore, Iran has not sufficiently explained the presence of uranium at undeclared sites in Varamin and Turquzabad, causing heightened safety concerns (IAEA report).
These developments complicate the IAEA’s capacity to certify the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. The withdrawal of IAEA inspectors by Iran has exacerbated this issue, a point Grossi conveyed with a sense of urgency.
The backdrop of these concerns lies in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal. This agreement, involving China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, and the US, aimed to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. However, the US’s withdrawal from the deal has led to subsequent calls for Iran to reengage with the IAEA to facilitate continuous oversight and verification (joint statement by the US, France, Germany, and the UK).
Earlier in May, Grossi engaged in high-level discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran, resulting in a joint statement aimed at improving cooperation. However, Grossi expressed regret that Iran has not reversed its decision to withdraw agency inspectors despite the commitments outlined in their agreement (IAEA-AEOI joint statement).
This ongoing situation continues to be monitored closely by the international community, underscoring the critical need for robust verification measures to ensure the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.